The H7N9 strain of avian flu that killed migratory birds in Kaohsiung recently is different from the one that causes bird–to-human transmission in China. That’s the word from agricultural official Chang Su-san on Tuesday.
The Council of Agriculture has taken extra precautions to analyze the two strains because the subtype of the avian flu virus has never infected poultry in Taiwan before.
Chang spoke on the findings. "The strain is similar to the low pathogenic H7N9 avian flu found in Taiwan’s wetlands in the past. But it’s different from the H7N9 strain that transmits viruses to humans in China, so we are not so worried," said Chang.
The latest outbreak of avian flu has intensified as more than 630,000 fowl have been culled. That’s not including the 120,000 chickens infected with H5N2 in Pingtung County.
The Council of Agriculture said only H5N1 and H7N9 will be able to transmit avian flu to human beings, but the strain found in Taiwan is different.